Day 3 on the Mickelson Trail: Met a guy all decked out in his total racing shirt, spandex, and elite mountain bike, wouldn't say a word. About 50 yards behind were two ladies riding with him (same outfits) and they were just gushing about the beauty of the day, the trail, everything. I don't get it, why can't we just say hello to each other and encourage other riders on their journey? Later met up with two other gentlemen from a nearby unnamed state who were finishing up what would be 200 miles on the trail in 4 days. They rode from Edgemont to mile marker 100 and back. Great conversation as we would pass each other and then meet at the next trailhead. They were stealth camping the trail (illegal, NO camping on the trail) and I'm fairly sure this is frequently done. One guy was bemoaning the fact his 13 year old nephew wasn't allowed to come along because mom thought the trip "too dangerous." As a retired teacher I remember when this parental hovering began, it isn't good and it stunts the growth of our young people. I'll stop lecturing and I didn't even recommend the guy have his nephew over to watch "Fight Club" and write down all the great quotes from the movie.
Day three of a bike is, in my experience, the best. The body has adjusted (somewhat) and you fall into the rhythm of the trail. I had 37.5 miles to ride to finish with most of it downhill. There were two minor climbs but nothing that even made think about getting off and pushing the bike.
You are near the main road at several points. 
Typical shelter area along the trail. You do pump your water and it was a reminder of the pump at my grandfather's farm.
Another old mine.
Big geography change from first two days, I had a lot more open trail riding. Extremely thankful the SD winds were nonexistent.
Architecture of early SoDak.
New concrete bridge sitting on old iron frame. Waste not want not.
The end. Another great ride in a beautiful part of our country.
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